Win $10,000 Towards Developing a Feature Film with AACTA Pitch: BITE in Partnership with Monster

Hungry for a challenge? AACTA Pitch: BITE in Partnership with Monster Pictures, is Australia’s ultimate horror and genre film development initiative focusing on original horror or elevated genre feature film concepts.

Last year's theme drew on the topical subject of isolation. This year we are pushing the genre even further with the theme BITE. This can be literal; as in a creature feature, monsters, zombies, critters and cannibals or metaphorical, as in to “take the bait”. Just so long as the theme resonates strongly with the many ways the word “bite” can be interpreted and used creatively.

This year’s winner will get a massive $10,000 in development funds and an Australian theatrical distribution agreement with Monster Pictures Distribution. The winner will also get 2 tickets to the 2021 AACTA Awards and 12-month AACTA Professional Memberships, giving them the chance to attend AACTA Events, access to AACTA TV, Award benefits and opportunities to network with some of the biggest names in the Australian screen industry. 

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) in partnership with Monster Pictures invites writers, directors and writer/director teams to submit original feature film concepts that incorporate the theme of BITE. Keeping in line with the overall spirit of the initiative, the project ideas must work effectively with minimal locations, small casts and lower budgets.

“After such a successful first year, Monster Pictures is really looking forward to sinking our teeth into this year’s initiative. We’re really proud of the success of 2020 and hope that 2021 serves us up some bigger and tastier projects!” said Director of Monster Pictures Grant Hardie.

“The outcomes from last year exceeded our expectations and really underscores the potential of genre film making in Australia” said Ivan Vukusic, Awards and Industry Development Manager at AACTA. “We have a wealth of new and exciting voices ready to take on the world and this initiative quickly connects talented film makers to the people and processes to get them there. I’m looking forward to seeing what another killer outing will bring”.

Projects that demonstrate the following are likely to be the most successful:

• New, creative and unique ways to engage audiences;
• Strong characters that resonate with audiences;
• Concise stories demonstrating clear, dramatic tension;
• Ideas that bend genres and break new ground.

A shortlist of twenty projects will be determined by a judging panel comprised of established horror film-makers, screenwriters, and producers such as Kathy Charles (CASTLE FREAK, JAKOB’S WIFE), Chris Brown (DAYBREAKERS, BAIT, THE RAILWAY MAN) and co-founder of Monster Pictures, Grant Hardie. Eight finalists will be selected to pitch their concept during AACTA’s 2021 ScreenFest.

AACTA encourages new, emerging or experienced content creators to enter, particularly those from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. Entry is $60 for AACTA members and $95 for non-members. For a limited time, AACTA will waive the entry fee for applicants who become a new AACTA Professional or AACTA General Member at entry. For more information on AACTA membership, click here. 

Initial entry requirements include: Title, logline, 3-minute video pitch, 500 word synopsis and résumé of the writer/s and/or director/s. Round One entries close at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 4 October 2021. 

AACTA PITCH ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY

For full eligibility requirements and entry details, please visit https://www.aacta.org/aacta-development-initiatives/aacta-pitch-bite/.

For more information on last year’s entrants, please visit https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/aacta-pitch-in-partnership-with-monster-pictures-returns-in-2021/.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

AACTA | Michelle Small | msmall@afi.org.au

MONSTER PICTURES | Grant Hardie | grant@monsterpictures.com.au